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(No Model.-) tweets-Sheet 1. P. W. COLE.

ELECTRIC VISUAL INDICATOR. No. 445,796. Patented Feb. 3, 1891.

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(No Model.)

' 4 Sheets-Shees 2.. F.- W. COLE.

ELECTRIC VISUAL INDICATOR.

Patented Feb. 3, 1891* I fl/l fi A Merv low.

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(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Shet 3. I. W. COLE. ELECTRIC VISUAL INDICATOR.

No. 445,796. Patented Feb. 3,1891.

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4 Sheets-Sheet 4. F. W. COLE. ELEGTRIG VISUAL INDICATOR.

Patented Feb.3,1891.

(No Model.)

2 2 w f v i I M n UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK WV. COLE, OF NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE- HALF TO' MOSES G. CRANE, OF SAME PLACE.

ELECT RIC VISUAL INDICATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 445,796, dated February 3, 1891.

Application filed inn.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FREDERICK IV. COLE, of Newton, county of Middlesex, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Electric Visual Indicators, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters and figures on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention has for its object to construct a visual indicator adapted to display many different numbers for fire-alarm and other purposes which is quiclracting yet accurate in its movements.

In accordance with this invention figured drums are arranged on shafts and are moved by springs or equivalents. A let-off is employed for each drum independently movable one with relation to another. An operatinglever carried by the armature of the electromagnet acts upon or against one or another let-off to release the drums directly or indirectly. The operating-lever is moved from one to another let-off by means of a spring or equivalent, and a motor mechanism, preferably a time-train, is employed to control such movement of said operating-lever. A suitable positioning device is provided for the operating-lever, having a series of rests, one opposite each let-off. The positioning device is moved in one direction by a time-train and is set back by the drums or other indicatingsurfaces when operated, each drum setting the positioning device back at each intermittent movement to keep the operating-lever on or against its corresponding rest. Suitable means are provided for winding the motor mechanism, also for restoring the figured drums to their normal position, and also for windingthe controllin g-sprin gs orequivalents of the said drums.

Figure 1 shows in plan view an indicator embodying this invention; Fig. 2, a righthand View of the indicator shownin Fig. 1; Fig. 3, a left-hand side View of the indicator shown in Fig. 1; Fig. i, a detail of one of the actuating-springs of the drums; Fig. 5, a detail of the operating-lever which moves the let-offs, together with a portion of the motor mechanism controlling the movements of said operating-lever; Fig. 6, a detail of the let-offs- 7. 1890. Serial no s laoeo. (No model.)

for the figured drums; Fig. 7, a detail showing the operating-lever connected with the armature of the electro-magnet, which is arranged in an open circuit; Figs. 8 and 9, modifications to be referred to, and Fig. 10 a detail to be referred to.

The main frame-work A is of any suitable construction to support the operating parts.

The figured drums ab 0, three being herein represented, are arranged on a shaft d, having its bearings in the main frame-work. Each of the drums has on its periphery laterally-projecting pins a b 0, there being as many pins as there are figures and blank spaces, ten such pins being herein shown 011 each drum. The drums are spring-controlled or spring-actuated, as will be hereinafter described.

On a rod 2 three let-offs are arranged, one for each drum, and shown particularly in Fig. 6. Each let-off comprises two arms, as a a b b 0 0 one of which arms, as a b 0 has two angular studs 3 4, (see Figs. 2 and 3,) arranged side by side, with a suitable space between them, and the other of which arms,

as a b 0 serving as an operating-lever, to be referred to, which strikes against and moves the let-off. Each arm which carries the studs 3 4 is arranged, respectively, opposite the figured drums, so that the pins to Z) c 011 the drums may co operate with the said studsas, for instance, referring to Fig. 3, the figured drum a moving in the direction of the arrow thereon when released, its pins a strike the stud 4, then the stud 3, and then pass between them at each movement of the let off a the let-offs being held in position to hold the drums with the pins bearing against the studs 3 by means of springs 5, (see Figs. 2 and 3,) one spring for each let-off.

Directly below the arms a b c of the let: offs an operating-lever e is located, (see Figs. 1, 2, and 5,) it being pivoted at e to the armature-carrying bar e of the electro-magnet B, which bar is pivoted at f and has connected to it a retractile spring f. The operating-lever 6 turns on its pivot in a horizontal plane beneath the arms a b 0 and said operatingdever e is also moved toward and from the arms a b c by the armature, which latter moves on the pivot f ICO As herein shown, the electro-magnet B- is included in a closed circuit, and hence the armature is normally attracted, and when the apparatus is in its normal condition, set ready to receive a signal, the operating-lever e is-held by means to be described directly opposite the let-off A stepped plate f is secured to a rockershaft f, having its bearings in the framework, said stepped plate being arranged adjacent to the operating-lever e, and a stud c projects from said operating-lever e, which acts against one or another step of the plate f, according to the position of thelatter. This stepped plate constitutes a positioning device for the operating-lever e, as will be more fully hereinafter described. A sector f is also secured to the rocker-shaft f, which meshes with a pinion f fixed to a sleeve f", carrying a ratc'het-wheel f and on the shaft carrying the sleeve an escape-wheel f is secured, carrying a pawl f which engages the ratchet-wheel f A suitable pallet f and fan 1 are arranged on a rocker-shaft f, the pallet f engaging the teeth of the escapement-f". A spring f is secured at one end to an arm f and at the other end to the frame-work, said arm f being fixed to the rock-shaft f.

\Vhenv the indicator is in its normal condi- 13l'0II"t". 6., set ready to receive a signal-this time mechanism is wound up and is locked by a dog 9, (see Fig. 3,)pivoted at 9, said dog having an arm 9 against which the stud g projecting laterally from the let-off a acts when the let-off is moved. The dog g is held inits different positions by means of a friction-plate 9 (see Fig. 10) hearing against it. Other arms f f are fixed to the rockershaft f, said arms being similar to the arm f and all occupying positions to co-operate with the laterally-projecting pins on the peripheries of the figured drums.

On the reception of the first impulse the armature is retracted, and the operating-lever 6, which bears against the first step of the stepped plate f, and hence lies directly opposite the arm a of the let-off a strikes against the said arm a of the let-off a and moves it upwardly, permitting one of the pins of the figured drum (1, to pass between the studs thereon and the next pin of the series to strike against the stop or stud 4. At the same time the let-off a by its stud g moves the dog g out of engagement with the escapewheel 9 of the time-train, so that it commences to run.

On the reception of a second impulse after the restoration of the circuit to its normal condition the operating-lever e will again strike against the arm a and a second time release the drum a, and so on in succession, and as the drum a moves forward intermitti'ngly' the successive pins a strike the arm f, fixed to the rock-shaft f, and turn said shaftback to its starting-point. If, however, there is a sufficient lapse of time after an impulse orsuccession of impulses before the re- I ception of another impulse or succession of impulses, the timetrain will have moved the step-plate f far enough, so that the operatinglever Q will pass farther to the right, its stud e resting against the second step of the plate,

opposite the arm 0 of the let-off 0 the stud c of the operating-lever at such time bearing against the third step of the plate f. Thus it will be seen that the first drumnamely, amay rotate intermittingly as long as desired, or until it has completed a rotation, provided the impulses succeed each other quickly, and if a long interval of time elapses the operating-lever is moved to the next drum, which may operate in like manner, and so on.

A bifurcated arm a (see Figs. 1 and 2) is fixed to a rod n, to which rod is also fixed an arm 11 which lies in the path of movement of a pin m, attached to a crank-arm m, fixed to a shaft m having its bearings in the framework, a pulley m being secured to said shaft 012 around which passes a cord m which may be pulled to rotate the pulley m A spring n is arranged on the rod 11/, the action of which is to restore the arm n to its normal position after having been depressed by the pin 172. -One portion, as 92 of the bifurcated arm a, as the arm n is moved by the pin on, strikes a pin 6 on the arm f, lifting said arm f turning the shaft f, to which it is fixed, and winding up the time-train by means of the sector f and the other portion, as n, of said bifurcated plate it strikes the laterallyextended arm a of the operating-lever e and returns the said lever to its normal position against the tension of its actuating-spring e thereby returning the operating parts thus described to their normal position ready to receive a signal.

The drums a b c are each fixed to a sleeve,

as 0, loosely arranged on the shaft cl, and a separate volute spring 0 is employed for each drum, said springs being attached at one end to the sleeves and at the other end to posts or standards 0 arranged on the frame between the drums. Each drum has arranged on one of its spokes a pin 0 and three arms o" are fixed to the rod or shaft (1, one beside each drum, and so that when the rod or shaft is turned in one direction said arms strike the said pins 0 and move the drums to a definite position or set them ready to receive a signal.

A plate is pivoted at 25 to the support it, one arm, as t, of which plate is connect-ed withand in this position it lies directly opposite the plate 9 g by a rod t and the other arm 25 of which plate is engaged at times by the arm A spring t is fastened to the post k, the outer or free end of which acts against the arm 75, tending to move the plate t t in a direction opposite to the movement given to it by the arm 0.

It is necessar', after a signal has been received, to first restore the operating-lever and time-train and then set back the drums and wind up the actuating-springs. To effect this result I have arranged the pin m of the crankarm m at the under side of the arm d which is fixed to the shaft d, and have given the winding-cord m two windings on the pulley 112 so that by pulling the said cord m its entire length the pulley an will make two revolutions. During the first revolution the pin m will strike the arm a and, as before described, set back the operating-lever e and wind up the time-train, and at such time the spring 29 will move the plate t t and throw the plate 9 in engagement with the escape- .wheel f and thus lock the train. During the second revolution the pin on strikes the arm (Z and rotates the rod or shaft cl in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 3, and in doing so the arms 0 strike the pins 0 on the drums and restore them to their normal position, and as the drums are restored the actuatingsprings are also wound. During this retrograde movement of the drums the peripheral pins a 1/0 pass between the studs 3 at of the let-offs, the latter slightly yielding for such purpose. Each drum has on it one large pin at a certain point, as 12, instead of a pin of regular size, such large pin being too large to pass'between the studs 4, and hence serves as a stop to prevent the drums moving too far backward or too far forward.

Referring to Fig. 7, the electro-magnet Bis included in an open circuit, and hence its armature is normally retracted. The operating-lever e is, however, held at the extreme left by bearing against the arm a The operation of the instrument is substantially the same as before described. I

Referring to Fig. 8, three let-offs are employed, which operate to release the drums, the arms a b 0 thereof being shown. In

lieu of the operating-lever and means for moving it, (shown in Figs. 1 to 7,) an operatinglever (shown as a bar a) is loosely connected to the armature it of the magnet B, said bar being guided by a lever a pivoted at a A stud u is arranged on the lever 16*, which cooperates with a stepped plate a arranged frictionally on an arbor a of a motor mechanism, which comprises a toothed wheel 16 arranged 011 the arbor "1.6 and with which cooperates a suitable escapement u A pinion u (see dotted lines) is also fixed to the arbor a, which is engaged by a sector it pivoted at it. A short arm to is fixed to the shaft carrying the sector to said arm being connected by a link with a short arm to, fixed to a rock-shaft 10 A lug to projects from said shaft 10 which is struck by the arm n on the shaft 11' of the winding mechanism, such [mechanism being substantially the same as shown in Figs. 1 to 7. IVhen the shaft n is turned, the sector u winds the motor mechanism. A detent Q is pivoted atw, which engages the pallet of the escapement a an arm on said detent having a link or hook to", which engages the arm a hen the arm a is moved by the bar a, the detent is turned on its pivot and the motor released, which runs continuously bymeans of the spring to until it runs down. The stepped plate a is connected by a link with an arm on the rock-shaft f, said shaft being moved by pins on the drums, as in Figs. 1 to 6. Each backward movement of the rock-shaft f moves the stepped plate a back, it turning on its arbor frictionally, as before described. To restore the bar a to its normal position alink j (see dotted lines) connects a short arm j on the rock-shaft w of the winding mechanism. This modification is substantially such as represented in another application, Serial No. 842,963, filed March 7, 1890, and is herein shown for the purpose of representing. how the indicating and winding mechanism herein shown may be applied to such a construction. It comprises a motor and a controlling or stepped plate connected to it frictionally.

Referring to Fig. 9, the figured drums are represented at 29 fixed to a shaft having a pinion 29 which is engaged by a rack t ,carrying a weight or equivalent. A series of pins are arranged on the drums, such pins being a different distance from the periphery. A bart has a stud 15 (see dotted lines,) which is engaged by one of the pins 25 of the drums. This bar 251 depends from a rack i which engages a pinion t", fixed to a shaft carrying a disk provided with a series of pins t. A suitable let-off is provided for the disk 15 which when moved permits the disk to rotate by means of the weight of the bar 15 or it may be an additional weight. By this construction the let-offs hereinbefore described and the controlling means therefor may permita very rapid movement of the disk t,

while the drums may move much slower andcontinuously. Hence it will be understood that many of the novel features of this invention are equally as well applicable to other forms of indicator.

I claim- 1. In an electric-indicator, two or more indicatingsurfaces intermittingly and independently movable and let-offs forsaid dru ms, combined with an operating-lever for said let-offs, an electro-magnet for controlling the movement of the said operating-lever, and a reciprocating stepped plate, against the stepped side of which the operating-lever bears, substantially as described.

2. In an electric indicator, two or more indicating-surfaces and let-offs for moving them intermittingly, combinedwith an operatinglever, an electro-niagnet for controlling the movement of said operating-lever to move said let-oifs, a stepped plate controlling the position of said operating-lever, a time-train for moving said stepped plate, and a spring, as 6 for moving said operating-lever 1n engagement with the said stepped plate, snb

stantially as described.

3. In an electric indicator, two or more inclicating-surfaces intermittingly and independently movable, combined with an operatinglever, an electro-magn et for effecting its movement, a stepped plate which controls the position of said operating-lever, a time-train for moving said plate in one direction, and means moved by the indicating-surfaces for setting the .stepped plate back, substantially as described. j v

4. In an electric indicator, two or more drums intermittingly and independently movable and let-offs for said drums, combined with an operating-lever for said let-offs, an electro-magnet for controlling the movement of the operating-lever, a stepped plate and time-train for moving it in one direction, and pins on the said drums for moving said plate back a short distance, substantially as described.

5. In an electric indicator, two or more drums intermittingly and independently movable and let-offs for said drums, combined with an operating-lever for said let-offs, an electro-magnet for controlling the movement of the operating-lever, a stepped plate controlling the position of said operating-lever, a rock-shaft to which it is attached, and arms arranged thereon which are engaged by the drums for moving the stepped plate back a short distance each engagement, and a timetrain for moving the stepped plate forward, substantially as described.

6.. In an electric indicator, two or more drums intermittingly and independently movable and let-offs for said drums, combined with an operating-lever for said let-offs, an electro-magnet for controlling the movement of the operating-lever, a stepped plate controlling the position of said operating-lever, a rock-shaft to which it is attached, and arms arranged thereon in different radial positions which are engaged by the drums for moving the stepped'plate back a short distance each engagement, and a time-train for moving the stepped plate forward, substantially as described.

7. In an electric indicator, two or more indicating-surfaces, let-offs for moving them independently, and an operating-lever for said let-oifs, combined with a stepped plate the steps of which serve as rests for the operating-lever in its different positions, means, substantially as described,for moving the stepped plate forward, and means, substantially as described, for setting it back when the impulses succeed each other rapidly, substantially as described.

8. In an electric indicator, two or more indicating-surfaces, let-offs for moving them independently, and an operating-lever for said let-offs, combined with a series of stops for holding said operating-lever in its different positions and means controlled by the drum for moving said stops back, substantially as described.

9. In an electric indicator, two or more indicating-surfaces, let-offs for moving them independently, and an operating-lever for said let-offs, combined with a series of stops for holding said operating-lever in its different positions, a series of arms controlled, respectively, by the indicating-surfaces for setting the stops back when the impulses succeed each other rapidly, and a time-train for moving said stops forward, substantially as described.

10. In an electric indicator, two or more circular indicating-drums mounted on a rotary reciprocating shaft, each having on ita series of pins, and let-offs for said indicating-drums, one of the pins of said series being larger in diameter than the others and serving as a limiting-stop for the drums in each direction, substantially as described.

11. In an electric indicator, a series of indicating-surfaces and means for moving them, combined with an operating lever and a plate, as f, having a series of steps, which serve as rests for the operating-lever in its different positions, substantially as described.

12. In an indicator, two or more indicatingsurfaces, springs for moving them, and letoffs, combined with .an operating-lever for moving the let-offs, a stepped plate the stepped side of which presents a series of rests for the operating-lever, one rest for each different position of said lever, a time-train, and an electro-magnet, substantially as described.

13. In an indicator, the drums and means for moving them, arms 'on the shaft for restoring the drums to their normal position", the arm d on said shaft, the winding-crank and means for rotating it, the operating-lever e, and a time-train which co-operates with the said operating-lever, the arm n rock-shaft n, and arm 91*, all arranged substantially as described.

14. In an electric indicator, two or more indicating-surfaces, let-oifs for moving them independently, and an adj usting-lever for said let-offs, combined with a positioning device for holding said operating-lever in its different positions and means controlled by the drums for moving said positioning device back,substantially as described.

15. In an electric indicator, two or more indicating-surfaces, let-offs for moving themindependently, and an operating-lever for said let-offs, combined with a positioning device for holding the operating-lever in its different positions, and means for moving said positioning device forward continuously, and means controlled by each indicating-surface for setting it back to keep the operating-lever in operative connection with its corresponding let-ofl, substantially as described.

16. In an electric visual indicator, two or more indicatin g-snrfaces, let-oifs therefor and an operating-lever for said let-offs, means for moving said lever to move the let-offs, and means for transferring said lever from one to the next let-oflf, and a positioning device for said operating-lever moved in one direction by a time-train and in the opposite direction by the indmating-surface, substantially as described.

17. In an electric visual indicator, two or more indicating-surfaces, let-offs therefor, and a vibratory and laterally movable operatinglcver, and electro-magnet controlling its vibratory movement, and atime-train, together with the indicating-surfaces controlling its lateral movement, substantially as described.

18. In an electric visual indicator, two or more i ndicatingsu rfaces, let-offs therefor, and

an operating-lever for said let-offs, each indicating-surface when operating keeping the operating-lever in position to operate it, substantially as described.

19. In an electric visual indicator, two or more indicating-surfaces, let-offs therefor, an operating-lever, and a positioning device for the operating-lever, combined with a timetrain for transferring the operating-let er from one to the next let-off, the actuating-spring of which is wound by the indicating-surfaces when operating, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FREDERICK lV. COLE. Witnesses:

BERNIOE J. Novas, FREDERICK L. EMERY. 

